Necessary Licences for Companies in the UK

The British law requires corporations engaged in certain economic activities to have permits that certify their competence in matters such as hygiene, security or data protection. In this article, I will explain the necessary licences for companies in the UK.

What are the Licences for Companies in the UK?

Business licences are permits that the authorities grant to a corporation in order to engage in certain restricted economic activities. Therefore, most companies will not need one, while others will require to own several of them.

Local powers usually grant the permits in the UK, although higher-level government agencies give others. In any case, licences have a temporary period and a delimited geographical area in which they will be valid.

If you intend to sell products or services online, you will not need to obtain a specific certificate. The same rules will apply as for physical businesses.

How to Obtain Licences for Companies in the UK?

The first step will be to check through the British government’s licence finder to see if there is a specific permit for an economic activity, how to obtain it or its fees. It is possible that certain authorizations may require additional accreditations.

Once an enterprise has met all the requirements and the relevant accreditations are in place, its directors will send the application to the authorities. They will initiate a review process of the petition, and after a few days, they will communicate their decision.

Which are the Necessary Licences for Companies in the UK?

Necessary Data Protection Licences for Companies in the UK

The UK law requires the following businesses to obtain the Data Protection Licence: all businesses that collect and process personal information in an automated manner or those that function as data controllers for the GDPR. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issues this authorisation.

The company must pay the fees on an annual basis and the cost varies according to its income and number of employees. Firstly, companies with a turnover of up to 640 000 GBP (760 000 EUR) and less than 10 employees must pay 40 GBP (48 EUR). Secondly, if the enterprise does not surpass the GBP 36 million (about 43 million EUR) of income or a workforce of 250 workers thresholds, it must pay GBP 60 (EUR 70). Finally, if the business exceeded the latter margins, the fee would scale up to 2 900 GBP (3450 EUR).

Additionally, companies that want to install video surveillance cameras in places where third parties might be recorded must obtain a separate certificate.

Hygiene and Food Sale Permits

All companies that sell, cook, prepare, store or distribute any food or beverage will be considered as food companies. This group includes physical premises, mobile kitchens or digital businesses. Therefore, all these corporations will have to register with their competent local authorities. If they operate from several premises, they must sign up each of them.

In addition, these companies must comply with a number of hygiene standards. For example, they will receive regular health inspections. Additionally, they should design a business plan that follows the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Finally, they must communicate to the customer which dishes may contain traces of potentially allergenic foods.

Environmental Licences

If an enterprise performs economic activities such as metal works, surface treatment, grass manufacturing or waste recycling, it will be necessary to request an environmental certificate from local authorities.

On another note, the following companies must declare their emissions they emit to air, water or land.

If the company operates a mine with an area greater than 25 hectares.
It disposes radioactive waste, and it has a permit that allow the business to do so.
If a corporation treats wastewater with a capacity equivalent to 100 000 persons or more.

Other Certificates

Apart from the previously mentioned permits, if you intend to perform any of the following activities, it will be necessary to obtain their respective licences.

Put recorded music in public spaces, hold live performances or for theatrical performances.
To sell objects on the street.
If an enterprise will handle, produce or store products that could be dangerous.

In ukstartcompany, you will find information about how to establish, register and operate companies with different legal structures and business activities in the UK.